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Baylor won't return as D-backs hitting coach

Baylor won't return as D-backs hitting coach

LOS ANGELES -- The D-backs have another vacancy on their coaching staff, as hitting coach Don Baylor has left the organization to accept a similar position with the Angels.

"When the Angels called to ask for permission I told them how much we value Don as a coach," D-backs general manager Kevin Towers said. "But we also understood that this was an organization where he had some of the best years and memories from his career. I felt the right thing to do was to ask 'Groove' if he had an interest in talking to them with the understanding that he was still welcome back with us."

Baylor spent parts of six seasons with the Angels during his 19-year playing career.

Just after the completion of the regular season, the D-backs announced they were not bringing back first-base coach Steve Sax and pitching coach Charles Nagy.

Now the D-backs have three vacancies on their staff.

It is not known whether the club will look to replace Baylor with another hitting coach or promote assistant hitting coach Turner Ward to that position, while adding a new assistant.

Baylor had been the D-backs' hitting coach since 2011, which was Kirk Gibson's first full season as manager.

"It's been very enjoyable working with 'Groove' after competing against him for all these years," Gibson said. "He's a great guy and has always been there for me. I support him in his decision to move to a place where he competed for so many years and where he has ties to the community. I thank him for his service to the organization."